Lincoln Rileys seat isnt hot, its engulfed in flames with smoke inhalation on horizon

CHICAGO – Since his latest letdown of a season ended, Lincoln Riley has gone from football coach to campaign manager.His pitch, given to anyone who will listen, is that this is his best team since he’s arrived at USC, that the window to win big is open.The spin cycle revved up again Tuesday at Big Ten media days, Riley bringing his stump speech to an elevated platform inside a hotel ballroom.The besieged coach broke out a few more buzzwords, telling reporters about “alignment” and “momentum” that reminded him of the way he was able to get things rolling at Oklahoma.For the first time, Riley said, he feels those same factors are in place at USC now that his program has completed the transition to a new conference with a new athletic director and new university president.“It’s been fun to see our program grow in all the areas,” Riley said, “that you need to be a championship-level program.”Well, here’s something else to consider that may not be as enjoyable: Your future here can be thrown out of the open window – massive buyout be damned – unless 2026 is the start of something special.Reaching the College Football Playoff once in five seasons – now a best-case scenario for one of the game’s highest-paid coaches – should not fly at a place where the baseline for success going forward must be to qualify in four out of five seasons.Remember, making the expanded CFP now means that you’re only one of the best 12 teams in the country.Soon, that number could double.There’s no excuse for the Trojans not to be part of that group nearly every season.Otherwise, USC football really has lost its luster.A program that’s piled up 11 national championships and eight Heisman Trophy winners hasn’t accomplished much since Pete Carroll bolted after the 2009 season, taking the fun vibes and wild success with him to the NFL. Every coach since has been a dud.

Lane Kiffin met his demise on the tarmac.Steve Sarkisian required a trip to rehab.

Clay ...